How do you solve for a: in y= (at²)÷2 + vt?

2 Answers
Mar 23, 2018

a=(2(y-vt))/t^2

Explanation:

The function y=(at^2)-:2+vt represents distance covered by an object starting with an initial velocity v with an accelaration a, in time t.

As y=(at^2)-:2+vt

(at^2)-:2=y-vt

i.e. at^2=2(y-vt)

and a=(2(y-vt))/t^2

Mar 23, 2018

a=(−2tv+2y)/t^2

Explanation:

Step 1: Simplify

y=(at^2)/2+vt
Step 2: Flip the equation.

1/2 at^2+tv=y
Step 3: Add -tv to both sides.

1/2 at^2+tv+color(red)(−tv)=y+color(red)(−tv)
1/2at2=−tv+y

Step 4: Divide both sides by t^2/2.
(1/2at^2)/color(red)(t^2/2)=(−tv+y)/color(red)(t^2/2)
a=(−2tv+2y)/(t^2)